The Foreign Office is investigating reports that two Britons have been shot by a robber while on holiday in Barbados.

The pair – believed to be a man in his 70s and a woman in her 50s – were attacked during a stopover while on a Caribbean cruise, it was reported.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are aware of an incident involving two British tourists in Bridgetown, Barbados. We are providing consular assistance."

It is thought the woman was shot in her right thigh and the man was hit in his left side. The victims were on a P&O cruise.

A company spokesman said: "Two passengers on Adonia have been hospitalised in Bridgetown, Barbados, following an incident on shore. Local authorities are investigating. Our shoreside customer care team and ship's medical team are providing support as necessary.

"Adonia is on an 85-night world cruise which left Southampton on January 8, 2013 and will arrive back in Southampton on April 3, 2013."